Multiple Well Stimulation System

ABSTRACT

A fluid fracturing system include a fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly which can connect in various configurations to a fracturing tree of a wellhead. The fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly connected to the fracturing tree can be connected by one or more fluid conveying conduits to one or more fracturing fluid pumps, without use of a conventional intermediate fracturing manifold.

This United States Non-Provisional Patent Application claims the benefitof U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/277,394, filed Jan. 11,2016, hereby incorporated by reference herein.

I. BACKGROUND

Fracturing systems enhance recovery of natural resources (for example,oil or natural gas) from one or more wellbores and associated wellheadsby injecting a fracturing fluid into the wells to increase the number orsize of fractures in a rock formation or strata. The fracturing fluidcan be water to which chemical additives can, but need not necessarily,be added such as one or more of: acids, sodium chloride, polyacrylamide,ethylene glycol, borate salts, sodium and potassium carbonates,gluteraldehyde, guar gum, citric acid, and isopropanol. Additionally,one or more of: gels, foams, and compressed gases, including nitrogen,carbon dioxide, and air can, but need not necessarily, be injected.Typically, about ninety percent (90%) of the fracturing fluid is water.The fracturing fluid can, but need not necessarily, further include aproppant, typically one or more of: sand, treated sand or man-madeceramic materials, designed to keep an induced hydraulic fracture openduring or following injection of fracturing fluid into the well. Theproppant can be delivered to the wells as a proppant-laden slurry (forexample, a pound of proppant per gallon of fracturing fluid up to a molepercentage of about eighteen percent).

Referring primarily to FIGS. 1 and 2, one or more surface wells (1),which can be accessed by a wellhead (2), can be installed at surfacelevel (3)(also referred to as “ground level”), as exemplified. FIGS. 1and 2 further exemplify a conventional fracturing system (4), whichincludes various components to control the flow of fracturing fluids (5)into the well (1), including at least one or more fracturing trees (6)connected to a fracturing manifold (7). The fracturing trees (6) includeat least one fracturing tree valve (8) that controls the flow of thefracturing fluid (5) into the wellheads (2) and, subsequently, into thewells (1).

The fracturing manifold (7) can be connected to one or more fracturingtrees (6) to provide fracturing fluid (5) to a plurality of wellheads(2). Fracturing fluid (5) from a fracturing fluid supply (9), which can,but need not necessarily, be one or more fracturing fluid supply trucks(10) containing the fracturing fluids (5) or can be fracturing fluidstorage tanks, ponds or other fracturing fluid containment structurescan be delivered to the fracturing manifold (7). As to particularembodiments, one or more chemical additives (11) from a chemicaladditive supply (12), which can, but need not necessarily, be one ormore chemical additive supply trucks (14) that deliver the chemicaladditives (11) or can be chemical additive storage tanks, ponds or otherchemical additive containment structures, that can be blended into orcombined with the fracturing fluid (5) by a fracturing fluid blender(13). As to particular embodiments, proppants (15) from a proppantsupply (16), which can, but need not necessarily, be one or moreproppant supply trucks (17) that deliver proppants (15) or can beproppant storage units from which proppants (15) can be conveyed to thefracturing fluid blender (13), that can be blended into or combined withthe fracturing fluids (5) by the fracturing fluid blender (13). Thefracturing fluids (5) which can, but need not necessarily, containchemical additives (11) or proppant (15), can be delivered to one ormore fracturing pumps (18) which sufficiently pressurize the fracturingfluids (5) for injection into one or more wells (1).

The one or more fracturing fluid pumps (18) can be connected to thefracturing manifold (7). As to particular embodiments, one or morefracturing fluid pumps (18) can, but need not necessarily, be connectedto each end of the fracturing manifold (7) (as shown in the example of

FIG. 2, a left bank (19) of fracturing fluid pumps (18) are connected toa fracturing manifold first end (20) and a right bank (21) of fracturingfluid pumps (18) are connected to a fracturing manifold second end(22)).

A conventional fracturing manifold (7) includes a manifold conduit (23)having spaced apart manifold connector blocks (24) each of which can beconnected to a manifold valve assembly (25) which controls the flow offracturing fluids (5) to a corresponding fracturing tree (6). AlthoughFIG. 2 illustrates each valve assembly having two manifold valves (26)connected in series to each connector block (24), a conventionalfracturing manifold (7) can include any other suitable number ofmanifold valves (26) to control the flow of fracturing fluid (5) to afracturing tree (6).

Conventional fracturing manifolds (7) may be constructed to be installedon or at surface level (3) or on a skid on or at a location on or atsurface level (3) a distance from the fracturing trees (6) on thewellheads (2), and each manifold valve assembly (25) is then connectedto each fracturing tree (6) with one or more manifold output lines (27).The manifold output lines (27) between each manifold valve assembly (25)of the fracturing manifold (7) and the fracturing tree (6), whiledepicted as two conduits (each of which may be a conduit typicallyhaving a bore of between about 4 inches and about 10 inches) may includea greater number of manifold output lines (27) between the fracturingmanifold (7) and a fracturing tree (6) depending upon the flow rate ofthe fracturing fluids (5) to be delivered to the particular fracturingtree (6).

There would be substantial advantages in a fluid fracturing system thatentirely eliminated the conventional fracturing manifold (7) along withthe associated manifold output lines (27) to the fracturing trees (6).

II. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, a broad object of the invention can be to provide amultiple well stimulation system that entirely eliminates theconventional fracturing manifold along with the associated manifoldoutput lines to the fracturing trees.

Another broad object of the invention can be to provide a fracturingfluid flow regulation assembly which connects in various configurationsto a fracturing tree connected to a wellhead, whether by directengagement of the fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly with thefracturing tree, or by direct engagement by use of only a connectorblock or spacer spool, or by direct engagement by use of only aconnector block and a spacer spool. The fracturing fluid flow regulationassembly connected to the fracturing tree can be connected by fluidconveying conduits directly to one or more fracturing fluid pumps,without an intermediate fracturing manifold.

Another broad object of the invention can be to provide a method ofmaking and using a multiple well stimulation system including afracturing fluid flow regulation assembly connected to the fracturingtree to deliver and regulate delivery of a fracturing fluid to awellhead without a conventional fracturing manifold.

Naturally, further objects of the invention are disclosed throughoutother areas of the specification, drawings, photographs, and claims.

III. A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustrative block diagram plan view of a conventionalfluid fracturing system including a fracturing manifold connected toeach of two fracturing trees correspondingly connected to two wellheads.

FIG. 2 is another illustrative block diagram of a conventional fluidfracturing system including a fracturing manifold connected to each oftwo fracturing trees correspondingly connected to two wellheads.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a particular embodiment of the inventivewell stimulation system including an elevation view of two fracturingfluid flow regulation assemblies, one each directly connected to acorresponding two fracturing trees correspondingly connected to twowellheads.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the particular embodiment of the inventive wellstimulation system shown in FIG. 3 including an plan view of twofracturing fluid flow regulation assemblies, one each directly connectedto a corresponding two fracturing trees correspondingly connected to twowellheads.

FIG. 5 is an elevation view of a particular embodiment of a fracturingfluid flow regulation assembly directly connected to a verticalfracturing tree by a spacer spool and a connector block to dispose thelongitudinal axis of fracturing tree and the longitudinal axis of the afracturing fluid flow regulation assembly in generally parallel verticalopposed relation a distance apart.

FIG. 6 is an elevation view of another particular embodiment of afracturing fluid flow regulation assembly connected to a verticalfracturing tree to dispose the longitudinal axis of the fracturing fluidflow regulation assembly and the longitudinal axis of the fracturingtree in generally orthogonal relation.

FIG. 7 is an elevation view of another particular embodiment of afracturing fluid flow regulation assembly connected to a verticalfracturing tree to dispose the longitudinal axis of a fracturing fluidflow regulation assembly and the longitudinal axis of the fracturingtree in generally axial relation.

IV. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Now referring primarily to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, a two-well embodiment isshown, which provides an overview of an inventive fluid fracturingsystem (28) which can deliver fracturing fluids (5) to one or morewellheads (2) of one or more wells (1). Embodiments of the inventivefluid fracturing system (28) can include a fracturing fluid flowregulation assembly (29) which can connect in various configurations toa fracturing tree (6) of a wellhead (2). The fracturing fluid flowregulation assembly (29), connected to the fracturing tree (6), can alsobe connected to one or more fluid conveying conduits (30) connected toone or more fracturing fluid pumps (18), and, as to particularembodiments, without the use of a conventional intermediate fracturingmanifold (7).

Now referring primarily to FIGS. 5 through 7, embodiments of afracturing fluid flow regulation assembly (29) can include a valvedconduit (31) having a fracturing fluid mixing block (32) connected to avalved conduit first end (33), and one or more connection blocks (34) orspacer spools (35) connected to a valved conduit second end (36).

The fracturing fluid mixing block (32) generally includes a mixing blocktop (37) and a mixing block bottom (38) joined by a plurality of mixingblock sides (39) defining a central mixing chamber (40). Typically, eachof the mixing block top (37), mixing block bottom (38) and each mixingblock side (39) can, but need not necessarily, include a mixing blockport (41) which allows fracturing fluids (5) from a plurality offracturing fluid conveying conduits (30) to be received and combined inthe central mixing chamber (40).

The valved conduit (31) includes at least one valve (42) and typically afirst and second valves (42)(43) arranged in a series. The at least onevalve (42) or the first and second valves (42)(43) can comprise anysuitable valve configuration (as illustrative examples: a choke valve ora gate valve). The first and second valves (42)(43) of a valved conduit(31) facilitate separate and independent control of the flow offracturing fluids (5) from the fracturing fluid mixing block (32). Whilethe illustrative embodiments shown in the figures include first andsecond valves (42)(43) arranged in a series, any other suitable numberof valves in a suitable arrangement may instead be used to control theflow of fracturing fluids (5) to the fracturing tree (6).

The one or more connection blocks (34) connected to the valved conduitsecond end (36) opposite the fracturing fluid mixing block (32), canprovide a connector top (44), and a connector bottom (45) which join aplurality of connector sides (46) defining a central connector chamber(47). A plurality of connector ports (48) can fluidly communicate withthe central connector chamber (47) to allow the fracturing fluid flowregulation assembly (29) to be connected in various configurations withthe fracturing tree (6).

The one or more spacer spools (35) can provide an open ended conduit(49) having end connections (50), which allow the fracturing fluid flowregulation assembly (29) as previously described to be joined a distanceapart from the fracturing tree (6)

The fracturing trees (6) shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 have a generallyvertical fracturing tree longitudinal axis (51) in relation to thewellhead (2)(also referred to as a “vertical fracturing tree”). Otherembodiments may include different styles of fracturing trees (6)(as anillustrative example a fracturing tree (6) connected to the wellhead (2)in generally horizontal relation, also referred to as a “horizontalfracturing tree”). It is also noted that while two fracturing trees (6)are depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4, a fracturing fluid flow regulationassembly (29) can be coupled to only one, each one of two, or each oneof three fracturing trees (6) in other embodiments.

Now referring primarily to FIG. 5, as to a particular embodiment, thefracturing fluid flow regulation assembly (29), including a fracturingfluid mixing block (32), a valved conduit, (31) and a first connectionblock (34/53), can be connected to a vertical fracturing tree (6) by aspacer spool (35) and a second connector block (34/54) to dispose thefracturing tree longitudinal axis (51) of a fracturing tree (6) and thefracturing fluid flow regulation assembly longitudinal axis (52) of thefracturing fluid flow regulation assembly (29) in a generally parallelvertical opposed relation a distance apart.

Now referring to FIG. 6, as to particular embodiments, the fracturingfluid flow regulation assembly (29), including a fracturing fluid mixingblock (32), a valved conduit (31), and a connector block (34), can beconnected to a vertical fracturing tree (6) to dispose the fracturingfluid flow regulation assembly longitudinal axis (52) and fracturingtree longitudinal axis (51) in a generally orthogonal relation.

Now referring to FIG. 7, as to particular embodiments, the fracturingfluid flow regulation assembly (29), including a fracturing fluid mixingblock (32), a valved conduit (31), and a connector block (34), can beconnected to a vertical fracturing tree (6) to dispose the fracturingfluid flow regulation assembly longitudinal axis (52) and the fracturingtree longitudinal axis (51) in a generally axial relation.

Again referring to FIG. 3, as to particular embodiments, one or morefracturing fluid pumps (18) can be connected by one or more fracturingfluid conduits (30) to only one fracturing fluid flow regulationassembly (29A)(or only to 29B or only to 29C) connected to only onewellhead (2A)(or only 2B or only to 2C). As an illustrative example, oneor more fracturing fluid pumps (18) can be connected to a mixing blockfirst port (41A) of the fracturing fluid mixing block (32), and one ormore fracturing fluid pumps (18) can be connected to a mixing blocksecond port (41B) of the fracturing fluid mixing block (32). By way ofexample, a left bank (19) of fracturing fluid pumps (18) can beconnected to the mixing block first port (41A) of the fracturing fluidmixing block (32) and a right bank (21) of fracturing fluid pumps (18)can be connected to the mixing block second port (41B) of the fracturingfluid mixing block (32) of the fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly(29A)(shown in broken line) connected to the fracturing tree (6A).

Again referring primarily to FIG. 3, as to a particular embodiment ofthe invention, the fracturing fluid flow regulation assemblylongitudinal axis (52A)(52B) of a first and second fracturing fluid flowregulation assembly (29A)(29B) can be disposed in generally parallelvertical relation to the corresponding fracturing tree longitudinal axes(51A)(51B) of a first and second fracturing tree (6A)(6B) as shown;however, any of the various configurations of the fracturing fluid flowregulation assembly (29) can be connected to a fracturing tree (6), asabove described. One or more fracturing fluid conveying conduits (30)can interconnect the fracturing fluid mixing blocks (32) of the firstand second fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly (29A)(29B). One ormore fracturing fluid pumps (18) can be connected by one or morefracturing fluid conduits (30) to each of the first and secondfracturing fluid flow regulation assembly (29A)(29B). As to particularembodiments, one or more fracturing fluid pumps (18) can be connected tothe first fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly (29A). By way ofexample and as shown in FIG. 3, a left bank (19) of fracturing fluidpumps (18) connected to the fracturing fluid mixing block (32) of thefirst fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly (29A) connected to thefirst fracturing tree (6A), and a right bank (21) of fracturing fluidpumps (18) can be connected to the fracturing fluid mixing block (32) ofthe second fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly (29B)(shown inbroken line) connected to the second fracturing tree (6B).

Again referring to FIG. 3, as to particular embodiments, one or morefracturing fluid pumps (18) can be connected by one or more fracturingfluid conduits (30) to three fracturing fluid flow regulation assemblies(29A)(29B)(29C) correspondingly connected to three wellheads(2A)(2B)(2C). As to particular embodiments, one or more fluid conveyingconduits (30) can interconnect the fracturing fluid mixing blocks (32)of the first, second, and third fracturing fluid flow regulationassembly (29A)(29B)(29C). One or more fracturing fluid pumps (18) can beconnected to a first mixing block port (41) of the fracturing fluidmixing block (32) of the first fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly(29A), and one or more fracturing fluid pumps (18) can be connected to afirst mixing block port (41) of the fracturing fluid mixing block (32)of the third fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly (29C). As shownin the example, a left bank (19) of fracturing fluid pumps (18) can beconnected to the first mixing block port (41A) of the fracturing fluidmixing block (32) of the first fluid flow regulation assembly (29A), anda right bank (21) of fracturing fluid pumps (18) can be connected to thefirst mixing bloc port (41A) of the fracturing fluid mixing block (32)of the third fluid flow regulation assembly (29C).

As above described, fracturing fluid (5) from a fracturing fluid supply(9) can be delivered to the fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly(29) by the one or more fracturing fluid pumps (18), as above described.As to particular embodiments, the fracturing fluid supply (9) can be oneor more fracturing fluid supply trucks (10) that deliver the fracturingfluid (5) or can be fracturing fluid storage tanks, ponds or otherfracturing fluid containment structures. As to particular embodiments,chemical additives (11) from a chemical additive supply (12) can beblended into or combined with the fracturing fluid (5) by a fracturingfluid blender (13). As to particular embodiments, the chemical additivesupply (12) can be one or more chemical additive supply trucks (10) thatdeliver the chemical additives (11) or can be chemical additive storagetanks, ponds or other chemical additive containment structures. As toparticular embodiments, proppants (15) from a proppant supply (16) canbe blended into or combined with the fracturing fluid (5) by thefracturing fluid blender (13). As to particular embodiments, theproppant supply (16) can be one or more proppant supply trucks (10) thatdeliver proppants (15) or can be proppant storage units from whichproppants (15) can be conveyed to the fracturing fluid blender (13). Thefracturing fluid (5) which can, but need not necessarily, containchemical additives (11) or proppant (15) can be delivered to a pluralityof fracturing fluid pumps (18) which sufficiently pressurize thefracturing fluid (5) for injection into one or more wells (1).

As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts ofthe present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways. Theinvention involves numerous and varied embodiments of a multiple wellstimulation system and methods for making and using such multiple wellstimulation system including the best mode.

As such, the particular embodiments or elements of the inventiondisclosed by the description or shown in the figures or tablesaccompanying this application are not intended to be limiting, butrather exemplary of the numerous and varied embodiments genericallyencompassed by the invention or equivalents encompassed with respect toany particular element thereof. In addition, the specific description ofa single embodiment or element of the invention may not explicitlydescribe all embodiments or elements possible; many alternatives areimplicitly disclosed by the description and figures.

It should be understood that each element of an apparatus or each stepof a method may be described by an apparatus term or method term. Suchterms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitlybroad coverage to which this invention is entitled. As but one example,it should be understood that all steps of a method may be disclosed asan action, a means for taking that action, or as an element which causesthat action. Similarly, each element of an apparatus may be disclosed asthe physical element or the action which that physical elementfacilitates. As but one example, the disclosure of a “pump” should beunderstood to encompass disclosure of the act of “pumping”—whetherexplicitly discussed or not—and, conversely, were there effectivelydisclosure of the act of “pumping”, such a disclosure should beunderstood to encompass disclosure of a “pump” and even a “means forpumping.” Such alternative terms for each element or step are to beunderstood to be explicitly included in the description.

In addition, as to each term used it should be understood that unlessits utilization in this application is inconsistent with suchinterpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood to beincluded in the description for each term as contained in the RandomHouse Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, second edition, each definitionhereby incorporated by reference.

All numeric values herein are assumed to be modified by the term“about”, whether or not explicitly indicated. For the purposes of thepresent invention, ranges may be expressed as from “about” oneparticular value to “about” another particular value. When such a rangeis expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular valueto the other particular value. The recitation of numerical ranges byendpoints includes all the numeric values subsumed within that range. Anumerical range of one to five includes for example the numeric values1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, and so forth. It will be furtherunderstood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant bothin relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the otherendpoint. When a value is expressed as an approximation by use of theantecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular valueforms another embodiment. The term “about” generally refers to a rangeof numeric values that one of skill in the art would consider equivalentto the recited numeric value or having the same function or result.Similarly, the antecedent “substantially” means largely, but not wholly,the same form, manner or degree and the particular element will have arange of configurations as a person of ordinary skill in the art wouldconsider as having the same function or result. When a particularelement is expressed as an approximation by use of the antecedent“substantially,” it will be understood that the particular element formsanother embodiment.

Moreover, for the purposes of the present invention, the term “a” or“an” entity refers to one or more of that entity unless otherwiselimited. As such, the terms “a” or “an”, “one or more” and “at leastone” can be used interchangeably herein.

Thus, the applicant(s) should be understood to claim at least: i) eachof the multiple well stimulation systems herein disclosed and described,ii) the related methods disclosed and described, iii) similar,equivalent, and even implicit variations of each of these devices andmethods, iv) those alternative embodiments which accomplish each of thefunctions shown, disclosed, or described, v) those alternative designsand methods which accomplish each of the functions shown as are implicitto accomplish that which is disclosed and described, vi) each feature,component, and step shown as separate and independent inventions, vii)the applications enhanced by the various systems or componentsdisclosed, viii) the resulting products produced by such systems orcomponents, ix) methods and apparatuses substantially as describedhereinbefore and with reference to any of the accompanying examples, x)the various combinations and permutations of each of the previouselements disclosed.

The background section of this patent application provides a statementof the field of endeavor to which the invention pertains. This sectionmay also incorporate or contain paraphrasing of certain United Statespatents, patent applications, publications, or subject matter of theclaimed invention useful in relating information, problems, or concernsabout the state of technology to which the invention is drawn toward. Itis not intended that any United States patent, patent application,publication, statement or other information cited or incorporated hereinbe interpreted, construed or deemed to be admitted as prior art withrespect to the invention.

The claims set forth in this specification, if any, are herebyincorporated by reference as part of this description of the invention,and the applicant expressly reserves the right to use all of or aportion of such incorporated content of such claims as additionaldescription to support any of or all of the claims or any element orcomponent thereof, and the applicant further expressly reserves theright to move any portion of or all of the incorporated content of suchclaims or any element or component thereof from the description into theclaims or vice-versa as necessary to define the matter for whichprotection is sought by this application or by any subsequentapplication or continuation, division, or continuation-in-partapplication thereof, or to obtain any benefit of, reduction in feespursuant to, or to comply with the patent laws, rules, or regulations ofany country or treaty, and such content incorporated by reference shallsurvive during the entire pendency of this application including anysubsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part applicationthereof or any reissue or extension thereon.

Additionally, the claims set forth in this specification, if any, arefurther intended to describe the metes and bounds of a limited number ofthe preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be construedas the broadest embodiment of the invention or a complete listing ofembodiments of the invention that may be claimed. The applicant does notwaive any right to develop further claims based upon the description setforth above as a part of any continuation, division, orcontinuation-in-part, or similar application.

1. A fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly to regulate delivery offracturing fluid to a fracturing tree connected to a wellhead of asurface well, comprising: a valved conduit including at least one valveoperable to regulate flow of said fracturing fluid between a valvedconduit first end and a valved conduit second end; a fracturing fluidmixing block connected to said valved conduit first end, said fracturingfluid mixing block defining an internal mixing chamber and a pluralityof mixing block ports connectable to one or more fracturing fluidconveying conduits; and a connection block connected to said valvedconduit second end, said connection block defining an internal flow pathand a plurality of connection block ports connectable to said fracturingtree.
 2. The fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly of claim 1,wherein said at least one valve comprises a first and second valvesdirectly connected in series to regulate flow of said fracturing fluidbetween said valved conduit first end and said valved conduit secondend.
 3. The fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly of claim 2,wherein said first and second valves independently regulate flow of saidfracturing fluid between said valved conduit first end and said valvedconduit second end.
 4. The fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly ofclaim 1, wherein said fracturing tree comprises a vertical fracturingtree, and wherein said connection block connects to said verticalfracturing tree to dispose a longitudinal axis of said fracturing fluidflow regulation assembly in substantially fixed axial relation to alongitudinal axis of said vertical fracturing tree.
 5. The fracturingfluid flow regulation assembly of claim 1, wherein said fracturing treecomprises a vertical fracturing tree, and wherein said connection blockconnects to said vertical fracturing tree to dispose a longitudinal axisof said fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly in substantially fixedorthogonal relation to a longitudinal axis of said vertical fracturingtree.
 6. The fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly of claim 1,wherein said fracturing tree comprises a vertical fracturing tree, andwherein said connection block connects to said vertical fracturing treeto dispose a longitudinal axis of said fracturing fluid flow regulationassembly in substantially fixed parallel relation to a longitudinal axisof said vertical fracturing tree.
 7. The fracturing fluid flowregulation assembly of claim 6, wherein said connection block comprisesa first connection block connected to said valved conduit second end andsecond connection block connected to said vertical fracturing tree, saidfirst and second connection blocks connected to dispose a longitudinalaxis of said fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly in substantiallyfixed parallel relation to a longitudinal axis of said verticalfracturing tree.
 8. The fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly ofclaim 7, further comprising a spacer spool connected between said firstand second connection blocks.
 9. A well stimulation system, comprising:a fracturing tree connected to a wellhead of a well; a fracturing fluidflow regulation assembly connected to said fracturing tree, including: avalved conduit including at least one valve operable to regulate fluidflow between a valved conduit first end and a valved conduit second end;a fracturing fluid mixing block connected to said valved conduit firstend, said fracturing fluid mixing block defining an internal mixingchamber and a plurality of mixing block ports connectable to one or morefracturing fluid conveying conduits; and a connection block connected tosaid valved conduit second end, said connection block defining aninternal flow path and a plurality of connection block ports connectableto a fracturing tree; a fracturing fluid pump connected to saidfracturing fluid mixing block; and a fracturing fluid supply whichdelivers fracturing fluid to said fracturing fluid pump.
 10. The wellstimulation system of claim 9, further comprising a proppant supplywhich delivers a proppant to said fracturing fluid.
 11. The wellstimulation system of claim 10, further comprising a chemical additivesupply which delivers a chemical additive to said fracturing fluid. 12.The well stimulation system of claim 11, further comprising a fracturingfluid blender which blends said proppant or said chemical additive withsaid fracturing fluid delivered to said fracturing fluid pump.
 13. Thewell stimulation system of claim 9, wherein said at least one valvecomprises a first and second valves directly connected in series toregulate flow of said fracturing fluid between said valved conduit firstend and said valved conduit second end.
 14. The well stimulation systemof claim 13, wherein said first and second valves independently regulateflow of said fracturing fluid between said valved conduit first end andsaid valved conduit second end.
 15. The well stimulation system of claim9, wherein said fracturing tree comprises a vertical fracturing tree,and wherein said connection block connects to said vertical fracturingtree to dispose a longitudinal axis of said fracturing fluid flowregulation assembly in substantially fixed axial relation to alongitudinal axis of said vertical fracturing tree.
 16. The wellstimulation system of claim 9, wherein said fracturing tree comprises avertical fracturing tree, and wherein said connection block connects tosaid vertical fracturing tree to dispose a longitudinal axis of saidfracturing fluid flow regulation assembly in substantially fixedorthogonal relation to a longitudinal axis of said vertical fracturingtree.
 17. The well stimulation system of claim 9, wherein saidfracturing tree comprises a vertical fracturing tree, and wherein saidconnection block connects to said vertical fracturing tree to dispose alongitudinal axis of said fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly insubstantially fixed parallel relation to a longitudinal axis of saidvertical fracturing tree.
 18. The well stimulation system of claim 17,wherein said connection block comprises a first connection blockconnected to said valved conduit second end and second connection blockconnected to said vertical fracturing tree, said first and secondconnection blocks connected to dispose a longitudinal axis of saidfracturing fluid flow regulation assembly in substantially fixedparallel relation to a longitudinal axis of said vertical fracturingtree.
 19. The well stimulation system of claim 18, further comprising aspacer spool connected between said first and second connection blocks.20-30. (canceled)